Summer graduation set at PVAMU

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Aug. 14 will be a great time in the lives of more than 400 students as they receive their respective degrees at the summer commencement of Prairie View A&M University.

The program, which begins at 9 a.m. in the William J. “Billy” Nicks Sr. Building, will feature Dr. Danny Kelley, dean of the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences at PVAMU, is the commencement speaker. For more information, call 936-261-3180.

“A Red Hot Summer’s Night” is the for the 4th Annual Red & White Ball set for Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Center Ball, W. A. Tempton Building at PVAMU. The event honors the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighting Association, Inc., with the proceeds supporting emergency preparedness and training for the PVFD. For more information and sponsorship, call Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550 or email: mejacksontx@prodigy.net.

Surprise, surprise, surprise! That’s what Amy Charleston was greeted with as several family and friends welcomed her home on July 31. Amy spent July 23-30 studying theater at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in London, England. While at RADA, Amy took in a few shows at the National Shakespeare Repertory Theater including War Horses. Amy’s study at RADA fulfils one of her requirement for the masters degree at the University of Houston, which she will receive in December. The event was coordinated by the Charlestons Christiana, Christopher and DeWayne. Drama teacher C. Lee Turner said, “I would not have missed this for the world” as he greeted Amy, his prized Medea actress.

For the past two weeks, members of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View hosted two successful programs - Vacation Bible School on July 19-24 and the Community Bell Choir Camp on July 26-30. The 38 students received instructions in and participated in biblical studies, playing the bell, arts and crafts, nutrition, health and wellness, TAKS review and recreation.

The 26 students in the Bell Camp, directed by Dr. Vicki Seldon, professor of music at PVAMU and assisted by Madolyn Reed, spent their five days in several workshops including dance, drama, music and craft and led by Marcell Spears, Hasifa Najjembe and Laura Patterson, students at Prairie View A&M University, and instructors Sylvia Cedillo, Minnie Cyrus, Trivia Cyrus, Dr. Glenn Berry, Mayor Frank Jackson, Pamelyn Reed, Donald Sowell and Dr. Corey Turner. Debra Berry, Lorraine Kirkpatrick, Florine Muse and Dr. Carla Whittaker provide lunch for the campers.

The camp culminated with a mini concert and fine arts presentation on July 30 by the campers. All indications are that the camps were a huge success. Thanks to all the participants and volunteers.

The PVAMU National Alumni Association, Houston Chapter will host its Labor Day Classic Soiree on Sept.4 at Magnolia Hotel, 1100 Texas Ave. Go to www.pvamuhouston.com for more information.

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: The staff of Career Services at PVAMU is eagerly preparing for its 40th Annual Career Fair and Golf Tournament, set for Sept. 20-24. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu/careerservices.

Until next week, be mindful that the road to success is paved with challenges, opportunities and service. Be careful in choosing your battle because the essence of business is risk. Keep the news, achievements and recognitions coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com, fax 936-857-5352, phone 936-857-3272 or P.O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446.